Best Books for Babies 2024

 

The Best Books for Babies Committee has been meeting annually since 2000 to select and celebrate excellent books for the very youngest listeners. That makes this the 25th list we have compiled. Which means that some of the babies who enjoyed the first books we honored may now be welcoming babies of their own.

We’ve learned a lot about early literacy over the years. And most of the research suggests that our goal of encouraging parents and other caregivers to read to babies right from the start is right on target. That’s because learning begins at birth.

We have also worked to recognize the authors, illustrators and publishers who focus on creating quality materials for babies ages birth to 18 months. Children’s books go out of print quickly, but demand can sometimes prolong the shelf life (pun intended) of a title.

Our committee members are librarians, child development specialists, educators, and others with an interest in promoting literacy and learning. They represent child-centered organizations across our area and bring their considerable expertise and experience to our process.

Some have participated since the beginning. Others joined for the first time this year. Whatever their tenure on the committee, all committee members have valuable insights and opinions. (And they aren’t shy about sharing them, which can make the final voting pretty exciting.)

Our list of ten best books this year actually numbers 12 this year with a couple of sets of books included. There’s a book of nursery rhymes with flaps to open, several books that feature photographs of beaming babies, and one title in both English and Spanish.

We believe that these and the other books on the list will delight and engage babies age birth through 18 months and the adults who care for them.

So, stop by your local library to pick up one (or a bundle!) of these titles soon and share them with a baby in your life. Read them again and again—repetition is a wonderful way to learn and the committee has done their best to find books that grownups will enjoy too. While you are cuddling together, you’ll also be doing the important work of preparing your baby’s brain to learn and grow.

 


You can sign up for a free library card here. If you are new to our eResources, check out these tutorial videos on how to get started.

Looking for a good book, album, movie or TV show? We’re happy to recommend them to you! Use this Personalized Recommendations form to send us some information about what you like and we’ll curate a list just for you.

If you have any additional questions, you can contact a librarian through Facebook, Instagram or X. You can also call us at 412.622.3114 or email us at info@carnegielibrary.org.

 

Alma, Head to Toe/Alma, de Pies a Cabeza

Soft pictures in pink, red and black show a cheerful little girl; brief English and Spanish text labels her body parts and describes her experiences.


Babies

Brightly colored pages are packed with pictures of busy babies, offering plenty to look at and talk about.


Babies and Bunnies Book

Babies love to look at babies and these crisp, clear photographs, paired with pictures of adorable rabbits are sure to bring a smile.


Good Night, Baby

Appealing photos of babies enjoying everyday activities including saying good night in 15 languages.


Hello, Baby

Appealing photos of babies enjoying everyday activities including saying hello in 15 languages.


Good Night, Little Fish

Little Fish swishes through the bright blue sea saying good night to friends and family.


Leo on a Hike

Leo and his father enjoy a walk in the woods, discovering small treasures and lovely views.


Look, It's Hoot Hoot Owl

This board book combines eye-catching illustrations, animal noises, and felt flaps to create a fun read-aloud sure to entertain little listeners.


Look, It's Moo Moo Cow

This board book combines eye-catching illustrations, animal noises, and felt flaps to create a fun read-aloud sure to entertain little listeners.



See Touch Feel: Tummy Time

Simple pictures and engaging photographs show familiar objects in an interactive touch-and-feel format.


Train

Easy to use tabs create motion and fun in cartoon-style illustrations that show a train moving through a colorful landscape.